Simple Banana and Oat Cake — Easy, Healthy, and Fast
A humble, naturally sweet cake made from ripe bananas and oats — perfect for breakfast, a quick snack, or a treat after a workout in the fresh air. It’s portable, forgiving, and requires just a few pantry staples. If you like taking your fitness outdoors, this loaf is an ideal post-exercise bite to restore energy after one of your favorite outdoor workouts.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 200 g rolled oats (you can use fine or regular)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 2–4 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant) if batter seems too thick
- Optional mix-ins: chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a small loaf tin or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Stir in the eggs, honey, and vanilla until combined.
- Add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well. If the mixture feels very dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a thick batter consistency.
- Fold in any optional mix-ins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean and the top is golden. Baking time depends on tin size and oven — check from 20 minutes.
- Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling slightly before slicing.
Tips and Variations
- For a fluffier crumb, let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before baking so the oats soften.
- Add protein: stir in a scoop of protein powder or a handful of Greek yogurt.
- Make muffins: divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake 12–18 minutes.
- Spice it up: cardamom or nutmeg are nice with banana.
- No eggs? Use 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water (let sit 5 minutes) as an egg substitute.
Quick Workout-Friendly Ideas
While the loaf cools, you can squeeze in a short bodyweight routine to complement your snack — even 5–10 minutes can help activate muscles before you refuel. If you include glute-focused moves, make sure you avoid common form errors; for guidance on technique and what to watch for, read about common donkey-kick mistakes to avoid.
Serving and Storage
- Serve warm with nut butter or yogurt, or sliced and toasted.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- Freeze individual slices for up to 3 months; thaw or toast to enjoy.
Conclusion: This banana-and-oat loaf is adaptable and forgiving, delivering wholesome carbs and natural sweetness with minimal fuss. It’s a great everyday recipe to keep in your rotation.
